Cross picks Jessica to shine at British Juniors

Jessica Keng from Sabah will be competing in the women's U-13 category of the British Juniors next month.

PETALING JAYA: National junior coach Andrew Cross has picked lesser-known Jessica Keng to shine at the prestigious British Junior Open squash championships which starts from Jan 2-6 in Sheffield.

Jessica, who is only 12, resides and trains in Sabah but has already impressed the national selectors with her impressive performances.

At the British Juniors in January this year, Jessica exceeded expectations when she made the quarter-finals in the Under-13 category.

Earlier this month, the youngster proved her worth by lifting the KL Junior Open Under-13 title.

And Jessica, who is currently training for the British Juniors at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil since Dec 10, has impressed Cross who believes she has the potential to go far.

“She’s only 12 but has already shown great potential. At the British Juniors this year, she came through completely unexpected to enter the last eight,” said Cross.

“There is something special about her ... from the way she moves and how she picks up the game.

“I would say she is probably the one with the best chance to do well in the girls’ Under-13 category this time.”

 She is seeded joint third-fourth and making the semi-finals is the initial target.

“But anything can happen in the Under-13 category and I will not rule out the other girls’ chances,” added Cross.

Aira Azman and Noor Ainaa Ampandi are also competing in the Under-13 category. Aifa Azman, who won the title this year, will be competing in the Under-15 category.